MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

Shawn Coomer & Mark Ostermann
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MTM Travel - The Fun Side of Points & Travel!

The fun side of miles, points and travel! Hosted by Shawn Coomer and Mark Ostermann, MTM Travel dives into the points hobby & the lifestyle of travel with topical conversations and plenty of laughs along the way. Mark & Shawn have a combined 18 years of experience covering these topics on Miles to Memories and Travel on Points and are cohosts of the popular MtM Vegas Youtube Show on the Miles to Memories Vegas channel. They also host the 20 Minute Travel news show on this same feed where you can keep up with the latest deals, news and happenings.

  1. TMT News - Big Alaska Mileage Play, Easy 20K Amex, Travel Trolling, Real Mario Kart & Transfer Bonus Overload!

    2 DAYS AGO

    TMT News - Big Alaska Mileage Play, Easy 20K Amex, Travel Trolling, Real Mario Kart & Transfer Bonus Overload!

    Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube!  Episode Description This week the Alaska/Hawaiian merger fallout moves forward as the company is trying to combine loyalty programs. Until that happens there may be an opportunity to double dip with credit cards, but is it a good play and which Hawaiian Airlines cards should you consider before they go away forever?   In other news Amex is back with 20K Pay Over Time offers. These can be the easiest points you'll ever earn if you are targeted. We also discuss: Spark Cash $750, the new United Mile Play offers, all of the many transfer bonuses right now, a hack to score an empty middle seat and where you can play Mario Kart in real life.   Episode Guide 0:00 Viral hack for ensuring an empty middle seat 0:47 Ultimate travel troll - Once in a lifetime experiencial travel 2:03 Mark’s incredible Choice “experience” redemption 4:00 Don’t overlook housesitting - Incredible way to save on travel & pet sitting 7:35 Hawaiian Airlines credit card play before it is too late 9:56 Cap One Spark Cash $750 welcome offer with waived annual fee 11:11 Amex Pay Over Time 20K Offers - Easiest points ever! 12:45 United Mile Play offers - Huge potential depending on your offer 14:30 Most credit card transfer bonuses ever? 17:53 BattleKarts some really cool “s” to seek out on your next trip Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    20 min
  2. Spooky Time in Salem, Alaska Air Changes & Wins & Disney's New Theme Park at Sea

    3 DAYS AGO

    Spooky Time in Salem, Alaska Air Changes & Wins & Disney's New Theme Park at Sea

    Episode Description In this conversation, Mark discusses his recent trip to Salem, Massachusetts, focusing on the Halloween experience and the historical significance of the area. He shares insights about the attractions, food, and the overall vibe of Salem during the Halloween season. The conversation then shifts to Alaska Airlines, highlighting recent changes in their loyalty program, including the ability to earn qualifying miles through award flights and shopping. Other topics discussed include: new flight routes, the evolution of MTM Travel and our different shows, parenting lessons learned from buying a phone for Mark's son, the rise of content creation in the digital age, and the unique offerings of Disney's crazy new cruise ship.   Episode Guide   0:00 Introduction & visiting Salem, MA for Halloween - Food, fun and what to do 11:29 Digging into Alaska’s new milestones and other huge changes 14:35 Is airline status a scam? 21:40 The crazy things we say in the miles & points hobby 24:10 Behind the show housekeeping & important life lessons 37:19 Disney’s insane new cruise ship - Theme park at sea? Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    47 min
  3. TMT News - Huge Hyatt AA Changes, Uber's Pricing Games, Bank Bonus Windfall & Capital One Lounge "Hack"

    16 OCT

    TMT News - Huge Hyatt AA Changes, Uber's Pricing Games, Bank Bonus Windfall & Capital One Lounge "Hack"

    Twenty Minute Travel News has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Travel podcast or watch both shows on Youtube!  Episode Description This week American Airlines and Hyatt announced a ton of changes to their ongoing partnership. Points earning from the past is gone, but in its place are a ton of new "milestone rewards" and perks you can choose. Both Hyatt and AA members will be able to choose perks at various milestones plus will be able to purchase status for the day with points and more. Is this an improvement over the old Hyatt American Airlines partnership?   In other news it seems Uber is being sneaky again. Some data points seem to show them charging more for people with Uber Cash, but is it a game and who is winning? In other #news we cover some new card offers, go over three awesome bank bonuses to pursue, discuss a true American castle, show you how to fast track into Capital One lounges and fight over the Wendy's Spongebob popup.   Episode Guide 0:00 Wendy’s Spongebob popup 1:00 More evidence of Uber overcharging 3:46 How to fast track into Capital One lounges 6:32 Best ever AAdvantage Business card 75K offer 7:39 Last chance for Southwest 85K / companion pass timing 8:45 Bilt adds two new transfer partners 10:16 AA/Hyatt announce tons of partnership changes/milestone rewards 12:17 Do these new partnership rewards make sense as a choice? 13:40 AA status for a day - Is this going to be worth it? 15:27 Great bank bonuses for Chase, US Bank & Wells Fargo - Up to $900 19:05 American castles? Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    22 min

  4. 14 OCT

    Value of "Free" Weekend Trips, New Mexico's Incredible Balloon Fiesta & MTM Travel Goes Video!

    Episode Description On the first video edition of MTM Travel (you can still listen!) Shawn & Mark discuss some of their recent escapades including Mark's time in New Mexico for the balloon fiesta and his upcoming trip to Salem, MA for Halloween festivities. New Mexico features a number of surprises including unique food and interesting landscapes. Joe Cheung also joins in discussing his recent points funded trip to see the Mets and all of the fun we've had over the years of doing this podcast.   Subscribe to MTM Travel & 20 Minute Travel in the same feed! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    42 min
  5. TMT News - 2025 Trending Travel, 5 Free Hyatt Nights, Paid Hyatt Place Breakfast, LoungeBuddy Dies & Newark!

    9 OCT

    TMT News - 2025 Trending Travel, 5 Free Hyatt Nights, Paid Hyatt Place Breakfast, LoungeBuddy Dies & Newark!

    Twenty Minute Travel has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Podcast or watch it on Youtube!  Episode Description This week Chase was in the news a lot for a number of different reasons. To start, they added Air Canada lounge access for Sapphire Reserve cardholders. This is a good perk, but it has a huge downside. Chase also released their Q4 spending offers on cards with targeted deals giving 5-7X back on grocery and more. Finally, Chase also has newly increased offers on Sapphire Preferred and the World of Hyatt credit card. The latter is giving 5 free nights as a welcome offer. Is this better than points?   In other news after 5 years of ownership, American Express has announced they are killing off LoungeBuddy. RIP. We also discuss: a fire at Newark airport, the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, 2025 trending travel destinations, Virgin Atlantic going revenue based, the search for Ramada's "CEO" and the new show we are launching on this channel.   Episode Guide 0:00 Newark can’t have nice things 0:36 You can be Ramada’s new “CEO” 3:15 Amex’s 2025 trending travel destinations 5:07 Hyatt Place paid breakfast spreading? 8:17 Sapphire Preferred’s new 60K offer with a twist 9:47 Hyatt’s new 5 free night welcome offer 11:37 Sapphire Reserve adds Air Canada lounge access 13:10 Amex shutting down LoungeBuddy 14:49 Lucrative targeted Chase spending offers for Q4 16:23 Virgin Atlantic revenue based redemptions - Good or bad? 17:58 Mark visiting the Albuquerque Balloon Festival 19:14 Our new show coming to this channel Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    21 min

  6. 5 OCT

    Childhood Independence & Travel, Frontier's Big Glitch & A Big Announcement for the Show!

    Episode Description In this episode of the Miles to Memories podcast, hosts Shawn and Mark discuss the exciting changes to the show, including Mark's return as co-host and the introduction of video content. They share their recent travel experiences, including redeeming Frontier Miles and visiting Cedar Point amusement park. The conversation delves into the challenges of parenting in today's world and the importance of giving children independence while traveling. They also provide hotel recommendations and wrap up with future plans for the podcast.   Subscribe to our other travel podcast - 20 Minute Travel! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    49 min

  7. 2 OCT

    Twenty Minute Travel - Amex Kills Popular Cards, China's Insane Drone Show, Alaska Transfer Drama, Tricky Hyatt & New 100K!

    Twenty Minute Travel has now joined the MtM Podcast feed! You can catch this show each week right here in addition to the regular MtM Podcast or watch it on Youtube! Episode Description This week American Express announced the death of several of their cards including the Cash Magnet and the popular Everyday cards. With the loss of Everyday, is Amex retooling their lineup in preparation of a new card or are they trying to push customers up to their more expensive Gold card?   In other news the Alaska/Hawaiian merger drama continued this week as transfers from American Express broke briefly, but then came back again. Some terms leave us a bit worried about the future of transfers, but the big question is whether it makes sense to move points now or not. We also discuss China's insane 10,000 drone show, where to use the Hilton Aspire credit, Aeroplan's new 100K welcome offer, 5% categories for the 4th quarter, Hyatt's fall promotion, a tricky Hyatt property and new Amex Offers you want to know about.   Episode Guide 0:00 Saving money for travel 0:39 Alaska/Hawaiian transfer woes and developments 2:44 Will Amex to Hawaiian transfers remain & should you transfer now? 4:25 One Hyatt’s tricky “mandatory” charge 7:10 Chase Aeroplan’s new 100K welcome offer 8:30 RIP to Amex Everyday cards 10:05 Will Amex replace the Everyday cards in their lineup? 11:20 4th quarter 5% Categories for Chase, Citi and Discover 13:24 Hyatt’s new fall promotion is sort of terrible 14:37 Hilton Aspire Resort Credit - How to use it & where it works 15:56 New Amex Offers for Marriott, Hilton, Lowe’s & Google Pay 17:35 China’s INSANE 10,000 drone show Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    21 min

  8. 28 SEPT

    Sneaky Uber, Citi's Aggressive Move, JetBlue's Lounges & Do This Soon!

    Episode Description In this episode, Joe and Shawn discuss various topics related to travel, credit cards, and the evolving hotel industry. They delve into the controversy surrounding Uber's pricing strategies, particularly in relation to American Express credits, and explore the importance of community connections at travel events. The conversation also touches on the upcoming changes to American Express Schwab limits, Citi's pursuit of an exclusive partnership with American Airlines, and JetBlue's plans for new lounges. Additionally, they discuss Oyo's acquisition of Motel 6 and the competitive landscape of shopping events between Walmart and Amazon. Subscribe to our other travel podcast - 20 Minute Travel! Youtube Podcast Enjoying the podcast? Please consider leaving us a positive review on your favorite podcast platform! You can also connect with us anytime at podcast@milestomemories.com.  You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, or via RSS. Don't see your favorite podcast platform? Please let us know! Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

    43 min
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About

The fun side of miles, points and travel! Hosted by Shawn Coomer and Mark Ostermann, MTM Travel dives into the points hobby & the lifestyle of travel with topical conversations and plenty of laughs along the way. Mark & Shawn have a combined 18 years of experience covering these topics on Miles to Memories and Travel on Points and are cohosts of the popular MtM Vegas Youtube Show on the Miles to Memories Vegas channel. They also host the 20 Minute Travel news show on this same feed where you can keep up with the latest deals, news and happenings.

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